Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is the name given to a range of conditions that can affect the glomeruli of the kidney. The kidney consists of small units (nephrons) which produce urine. The glomeruli are clusters of blood vessels within each nephron. 'Glomerulo' refers to the glomeruli and 'nephritis' means inflammation of the kidney. But, strictly speaking, there is not always inflammation present in some types of glomerulonephritis. In glomerulonephritis there is damage to the glomeruli. This damage interferes with the function of the glomeruli and it can interfere with the function of the kidneys as a whole. Salt and excess fluid can build up in the body if the kidneys are not working normally. This can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and, in some cases, kidney failure can occur.

Glomerulonephritis can vary in severity. It can be acute. That is, it can come on suddenly and last for a short period, requiring minimal treatment. Or it can be chronic. That is, it can last for a longer time and it can lead to irreversible damage to the glomeruli and kidneys, interfering with kidney function and leading to chronic kidney disease.